RUGBY LEAGUE legend Barrie McDermott concedes that at 18 stone in weight he is not built for running.
The 41-year former prop forward from Grotton overcame that considerable obstacle to compete in and complete the Virgin London Marathon for charity.
Barrie, who is currently head of player welfare at Leeds Rhinos, was raising money as well as awareness of the Steve Prescott Foundation as well as funds for the Leeds Rugby Foundation..
The Steve Prescott Foundation was set up by the former St Helens and international player when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2007.
Steve set up the Foundation and ran the London Marathon as well as cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End as doing other challenges.
When Steve died in 2013 the Foundation had raised over £500,000 towards its £1million target.
Barrie, who played for Oldham, Wigan, Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain during his illustrious career, said: “As a former sportsman, I am always looking for new challenges and have been lucky enough to be able to do the London Marathon on two occasions.
“It is a big challenge for somebody my size, though I enjoyed the training.
“I am lucky to live in an area such as this and, when you are crawling up the hills as one mile and hour, you appreciate the beauty.
“I run around Saddleworth, Ashton, Rochdale and Littleborough.”
Barrie, who played amateur RL for Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead who he is still connected, finished in a time of just over five hours. He had hoped to be below it.
He added: “I don’t know how much I raised but it is also about raising the profile and awareness of the two Foundations and attracting corporate sponsors.
“It was tough and you question your own judgement, but as Steve used to say a challenge is only a challenge when it is challenging.”
Meanwhile, Grasscroft’s Steve Gifford-Dixon also completed the London Marathon in a time of just under five hours.
The 33-year-old was running with his friend Matt Sharples whose wife is suffering from a rare lung disease which has no cure and which only strikes women. The pair raised £4,000 for LAM Action.
DELPH’S EVA Royle ran the Virgin London Marathon, the latest event in her fund-raising campaign for Breast Cancer Care.
Eva, who is recovering from the illness, has raised a staggering £15,000 for the charity since Christmas.
And Eva ran the 26.2 miles in a highly creditable time of just over four hours and 20 minutes.
Eva also recently enlisted the support of her father-in-law Joe Royle, the former Oldham Athletic manager, who took part in another fund-raising event.
Joe was at Millgate Arts Centre for an evening in which is recalled the memorable 12 years he spent as Latics’ manager which included reaching the final of the Littlewoods Cup, one of two Wembley appearances and being founder members of the Premier League.
Eva’s next charity event is a Robbie Williams tribute night at Uppermill Civic Hall on September 5.
To contribute to Eva’s charity, log on to the team pink facebook page or Mummy’s Star website.
You must be logged in to post a comment.